As described previously,
BCMESL completed WeBS-based wintering and CBC-based breeding bird
surveys in and around Castle Stuart Bay, on the Moray Firth, for
Cornerstone Golf Development International in 2005/2006. The findings
of these surveys were described and discussed in detail in two separate
reports which were prepared by BCMESL. Together these reports comprised
a comprehensive ornithological impact assessment which was submitted
as part of the EIA which supported the planning application for
the Castle
Stuart Golf Resort.
Given the significance of the adjacent Longman and Castle Bays
SSSI, which is designated for salt-marsh and inter-tidal habitats
as well as its wintering population of waterfowl, and in turn comprises
part of the Inner Moray Firth SPA, and Ramsar site, which are similarly
classified for their population of over-wintering wildfowl and waders,
the impact assessment concentrated on developing measures which
successfully mitigated adverse impacts on this interest that might
be associated with both golf course construction and operation.
This involved close liaison with the statutory bodies, and in particular
SNH, including a series of on-site meetings to fine-tune the measures
proposed.
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